The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its decision on the proposed realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway which will ensure that the Okun-Ajah community is not affected due to the presence of submarine cables along the coastline while also saving the telecommunications infrastructure and submarine cables, among others at the axis.
The announcement was made at a two-hour 3rd Stakeholders Meeting in Lagos, where the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, confirmed that the proposed diversion would no longer occur, citing potential risks to the country’s internet connectivity and telecommunication infrastructure.
The decision to halt the realignment plans comes after telecommunication companies warned the government of the possibility of network outages in the country if the diversion were to proceed. The proposed realignment route would have affected the submarine cables that are crucial for maintaining internet connectivity and global data transmission.
Earlier, the Okun-Ajah community in Lagos state cried out and warned the federal and Lagos State governments over the alleged illegal variation to the Lagos-calabar coastal highway route which put six villages at the risk of demolition and also the displacement of three traditional kings within the Community if the plan was not shelved.
According to the Minister, reverting to the old alignment would lead to the demolition of 750 illegally built houses, while the new alignment would lead to the demolition of 490 houses.
He buttressed the need to redesign the route to save the 600 years ancestry of Okun-Ajah community, adding that, the president, out of compassion to realise the project, added human phase to save property and infrastructure of Okun-Ajah axis while applauding efforts of the president to divert alignment routes to save the communities from the ongoing demolition exercise stretching along the indigenous communities in the state.
However, the Federal Government’s decision has sparked a range of reactions from Nigerians across various platforms. While some applauded the move as a necessary step to protect critical telecommunications infrastructure, others criticized the government for failing to conduct proper assessments and feasibility studies before embarking on the demolition of private properties.
Critics argue that the government’s actions have already caused significant harm to businesses and individuals, raising questions about accountability and the decision-making processes involved in large-scale infrastructure projects.
As the debate continues, the Federal Government is now tasked with exploring alternative routes and strategies for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, while ensuring minimal disruption to local communities and the country’s vital telecommunications networks.